K9 officer Bear retires

GASTONIA – K9 Bear, a 10-year-old Dutch shepherd, has retired from the Gaston County Police Department after serving the community for eight years.
K9 Bear was certified as a Patrol and Narcotic Detection Police Service Dog through the American Police Canine Association.
During the course of his service with the police department, K9 Bear worked with three K9 handlers and finished his career under the direction of Officer Randy Drennan and will spend his retirement in his care.
During his career, K9 Bear was credited with recovering an estimated $1.5 million. While working for the county police he was responsible for narcotic seizures with an estimated street value totaling approximately $775,000. K9 Bear also tracked and located more than 50 subjects during his career.
K9 Bear received commendations for his work from the Kings Mountain Police Department, Mount Holly Police Department and North Carolina Probation and Parole.